Toyota dominated the Northern Territory’s new car market last year, with the four top-selling models all from the Japanese manufacturer according to Motor Trade Association data, while new vehicle sales increased by 1.3 per cent overall, sales of new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles increased by 140 per cent.
MTA NT chief executive officer Darrell Jacobs said despite the Hilux remaining the best selling new vehicle, there was a growing consumer preferences for new global manufacturers.
“Despite broader economic pressures and a shifting regulatory environment, the Territory continues to see steady demand for vehicles suited to its unique conditions and lifestyle,” Mr Jacobs said.
“Territorian motorists continue to buck the national trend, with petrol and diesel remaining the dominant choice, accounting for a combined 79.5 per cent of the market.
“The shift toward zero and low emission vehicles is progressing, with hybrid vehicles now representing 15.2 per cent of all new sales, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles recorded the strongest growth, up 140.2 per cent compared to 2024.”
A total of 10,240 new vehicles were sold in the NT in 2025, representing a 1.3 per cent increase compared to 2024, he said, with 1,123 Toyota Hilux 4WDs being sold.
In second spot was the Toyota Prado which recorded a 542.7 per cent increase to 797 sales following its model refresh, which was followed by the Toyota Landcruiser with 612 sales, the Toyota RAV4 with 521 sales, and the Ford Ranger 4WD with 380 sales.
Mr Jacobs said these results reinforced a strong consumer trust in brands that deliver the ruggedness required for outback driving.
In contrast, electric vehicles accounted for a modest 2.5 per cent of total new vehicle sales, which were up 0.4 per cent compared to December 2024.
Mr Jacobs said hybrid vehicles made up 15.2 per cent of all sales, up 8.64 per cent compared to December 2024, while PHEVs made up 2.9 per cent, up 140.2 per cent compared to December 2024.
He said there was a clear preference for practical electrification, with Territorians favouring hybrids and PHEVs that offer efficiency gains without compromising the range needed for long distance travel across the NT.
New vehicle efficiency standard, which saw penalties and credits take effect on July 1, 2025, remained a key focus for the industry Mr Jacobs said, and with a major federal review of the NVES scheduled for late 2026, the industry is watching closely to see how manufacturers and dealers adapt under tightening targets.
